A suspect declared wanted for the assassination of a local hunters’ commander and his wife in Wannune, Tarka local government area, has been killed during a gun duel with police operatives in Makurdi, Benue state.
According to police spokesperson, Udeme Edet, the suspect, identified as Saater, opened fire on detectives attempting to arrest him over the weekend, prompting a confrontation that left him critically wounded.
He was taken to the Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH) but was later pronounced dead.
Saater had been linked to the assassination of Aondoakaa Yayol, commander of the local hunters’ association, on June 20, 2025, and the killing of Yayol’s wife, Kashimana Yayol, on February 11, 2023, both in Wannune.
“Acting on credible intelligence that the suspect had returned to Makurdi with plans to launch fresh attacks, detectives moved swiftly to apprehend him around George Akume way. He engaged the police team in a shootout but was subdued and arrested.
“Items recovered from Saater included an AK-47 rifle, a locally fabricated shotgun, several 7.62mm live ammunition rounds, cartridges, and seven SIM cards believed to be stolen. His remains have been deposited at the hospital morgue,” Edet stated.
The commissioner of police, Ifeanyi Emenari, warned residents to report suspicious activities and refrain from criminal acts.
He reaffirmed that the police remain committed to protecting lives and property across Benue state.
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